Testing out the new 85 mm...

We bought a new lens: the Canon 85 mm f/1.8 prime, which we've been eyeing for awhile...  Since we have a friend's wedding to shoot in April, and our old lens went kaput after I dropped it, we decided that we could use the income from the shoot to fund the lens.  It was a close fight between the 85 mm and the 50 mm f/1.4, but we figured that the 85 mm would be better for events since you don't need to hover so close to people (who tend to stiffen up when they realise the lens is pointing their way).  Also, the 85 mm had a really nice bokeh, which I really really loved!

Some shots taken with the lens:

The narrow depth of field at f1.8 really gives a nice bokeh, but also translates into less margin for error in terms of focusing.  Which means I really need to practice more on this lens... and what better way than to bring it along with me when we head down to Penang tomorrow to visit relatives for the Chinese New Year break!

But before I run off to pack for the trip, here's wishing friends and family a Happy Lunar New Year! With everyone decorating their houses with cherry blossoms and pussy willows, I just couldn't resist uploading another plum blossom shot!